Nadia Fall’s “Brides” Explores a Harrowing Journey Inspired by Real Events

“Brides,” a 2025 British-Italian film directed by Nadia Fall, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is set to release in the United Kingdom on March 5th. The film, starring Ebada Hassan and Safiyya Ingar, draws inspiration from the real-life events of the Bethnal Green trio [1].

The Story Behind the Film

The film centers on Muna and Ferdosa, nicknamed Doe, two school friends who, facing bullying and discrimination, secretly flee the United Kingdom with the intention of traveling to Syria [2]. When their contact fails to meet them in Istanbul, they find themselves stranded and must navigate a path to the Syrian border while evading detection [1].

Nadia Fall’s Vision

In interviews, Nadia Fall has emphasized the importance of setting the story in 2014, a year she deliberately chose to highlight the specific challenges faced by these young women [2]. Fall also discussed her affinity for the road movie genre, believing it to be particularly well-suited to portray a journey of self-discovery and transformation [2]. The director incorporated elements of her own personal experiences, particularly concerning social and political issues, into the narrative [2].

Production Details

“Brides” is a co-production between Neon Films (UK) and Rosamont (Italy), with support from various funding bodies including the BFI and Ffilm Cymru Wales [1]. The screenplay was written by Suhayla El-Bushra [1]. Principal photography took place in Wales, Turkey, and Italy [1].

Where to Find More Information

For a more in-depth look at the film and an interview with Nadia Fall, visit Hot Corn and HOT CORN.